Torch-On Bitumen Membrane Application SWMS

For roofing and waterproofing contractors who apply torch-on membrane to flat and low-pitch roofs and decks. It follows the work in order, from checking the gas torch and edge protection to hot work permits, torching, details and the fire watch afterwards.

Ticked for you: a risk of a person falling more than 2 m (reg 291(a)), because roof edge and deck work is usually above 2 m. Torching in the open is a deliberate flame process, so the contaminated or flammable atmosphere item (reg 291(l), item 11) is not pre-ticked; tick it if you prime or torch in an enclosed or poorly ventilated space where solvent vapour can collect. Also tick, where they apply to your job: work near energised electrical installations or services (reg 291(k)), asbestos disturbance if old roofing is cut or drilled (reg 291(d)), and powered mobile plant such as a crane or hoist in the area (reg 291(o)). A SWMS is required by law only for high risk construction work (WHS Regulation s 299).

Learn More: What Is A Safe Work Method Statement?
Have you ever been asked to provide a SWMS on a project in Queensland? Read our guide to what a Safe Work Method Statement is and when you need one.

What Is Covered In Our Torch-On Bitumen Membrane Application SWMS?

The job steps run in the order the work is done, from pre-start checks to finishing up. The hazards and controls include:

• Falls from roof edges and through fragile roofing
• Fire in roof timbers, insulation and cavities
• Gas leaks and flashback from LPG torches
• Burns from the open flame and hot membrane
• Solvent primer vapours igniting
• Falling objects striking people below
• Manual handling of heavy membrane rolls
• Heat stress and sun exposure on the roof
• Smouldering fire after work finishes
• Bitumen fumes and solvent exposure

High Risk Construction Work

These high risk construction work items (WHS Regulation 2011 (Qld) s 291) are already ticked because they are part of this work. Tick any others that apply to your job:

• Involves a risk of a person falling more than 2m

Licences, Training and Competency

• General construction induction training card (white card)
• Site induction
• Training and competency in the torch-on membrane system, gas torch and fire watch duties for each worker using a torch
• Hot work permit holder or issuer trained in the site’s hot work permit system
• Fire watch person trained to use the fire extinguishers on site
• High risk work licence in a scaffolding class (Schedule 3) for anyone erecting scaffolding from which a person or thing could fall more than 4 m; other scaffolding erected by a competent person
• Dogging or crane operator licences where materials are lifted onto the roof (use a separate SWMS for crane lifts)
• First aider on site with burns first aid training

Legislation and Codes of Practice Referenced

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld)
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Qld)
• Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice 2021
• Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice 2021
• Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice 2021
• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice 2021
• First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice 2021
• Scaffolding Code of Practice 2021 (where a scaffold is used)
• Electrical Safety Regulation 2026 (Qld): overhead electric line exclusion zones (ss 10-13 and Sch 2)

What You Get

• An editable Microsoft Word document (13 pages), laid out on A4 landscape pages
• Business, client, job and document details typed once and filled in on every page, plus a space for your logo
• The high risk construction work checklist, worded as WHS Regulation s 291, and the construction project question (s 292)
• A worker and health and safety representative consultation record
• Qualifications, plant, PPE, hazardous chemicals, safety equipment, permits, references and emergency arrangements filled in for this work
• A 5 x 5 risk matrix, and job steps with initial and residual risk scores and the people responsible
• Implementing, monitoring and review requirements, an additional controls log, revision history and a worker sign-on sheet

Review and adjust it for your site, your plant and the way your crew does the job, and talk it through with your workers before work starts. If you have any trouble downloading this SWMS, you can contact us at any time. Please make sure you read our Disclaimer before downloading this SWMS.